The Pap smear is the gold standard test when it comes to preventing cervicitis. cancerHowever, a large number of women are unaware of the Pap smear and fail to get tested. Not many people know but gynecological cancer is one of the causes of high morbidity and mortality in women and is often ignored. Times Now Digital spoke to Dr Sucheta Parthe, Consultant – Obstetrics and Gynaecologist, on how important Pap smear tests are when it comes to detecting gynecological cancers and improving the survival rates of patients.

He explained that gynecological cancers begin in a woman’s reproductive organs, including the cervix, ovaries, uterus, vagina and vulva. Cervical, endometrial, ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar cancer are some of the types of cancer that are commonly seen in a large number of women. Common symptoms of gynecological cancer are abnormal bleeding or discharge from the vagina, pelvic pain, frequent urination and constipation, which are often ignored by women due to lack of awareness about these cancers. Additionally, risk factors for this type of cancer include family history, obesity, age, and HPV. However, regular Pap smear tests will help prevent these cancers.

Importance of Pap smear test for detecting gynecological cancer

Regular Pap smear tests will help in timely detection of gynecological cancer, especially cervical cancer, before it spreads further. By examining abnormal cells in the cervix, Pap smear not only helps identify precancerous changes but is also a proactive measure for women’s health. Early detection of these abnormalities can allow women to receive timely and successful treatment which will help improve survival rates. Therefore, Pap smear will help reduce the mortality rate in women suffering from cervical cancer.

Even though Pap smears are linked to cervical cancer, they can help women learn more about their gynecological health. These tests often encourage women to consult their specialists and address issues related to other reproductive organs.

Pap smears are safe and effective and provide good results when it comes to detecting cervical cancer.

In addition to Pap smears, HPV DNA testing has become a cornerstone of gynecological cancer prevention. This advanced technology detects the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical, vaginal, vulvar and anal cancer. HPV DNA testing not only detects the presence of high-risk HPV types associated with cervical cancer, but also identifies low-risk HPV types that can cause genital warts. This broad detection capability makes HPV DNA testing a valuable tool for comprehensive screening and prevention of HPV-related diseases. This proactive approach empowers individuals to take preventive measures and seek timely treatment, ultimately improving outcomes and reducing the burden of gynecological cancers. For people at higher genetic risk, more frequent testing may lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment outcomes. Additionally, DNA testing can provide information lifestyleChanges or preventive measures to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Gynecological cancers are troublesome for women because they can wreak havoc on a woman’s physical and mental health. One must make an informed choice by opting for regular Pap smears as early detection through regular screening is a powerful tool in the fight against these notorious cancers. Every woman should get a Pap smear test every 2-3 years after the age of 22. Women above 50 years of age should get it done every 5 years. When it comes to taking a Pap smear, women should follow the instructions given by the specialist.

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